Work load and individual factors affecting work disability among aging municipal employees

A cohort of 6165 municipal workers 44 to 58 years of age was followed during 1981-1985. The most impairing work loads were poor work postures and poor physical climate, whereas good possibilities for development at work prevented work disability. Aging particularly increased the incidence of work disability, whereas physical exercise maintained work ability. Among workers who suffered from any cardiovascular disease, a low level of muscular work and a high level of leisure-time physical exercise decreased work disability. Compared with the work ability of active workers, work disability was more linked to individual than to work load factors.